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Elegant Living Rooms in Neutral Colors

Living rooms are a place to relax, converse, and relish in the comforts of home. With a palette of soothing neutrals and abundant texture, these spaces exude timeless elegance.

At the Lake Forest Showhouse in Illinois, designer Gail Plechaty was inspired by formal French salons to create a beautiful living room that is dressy without apology. As a fine example of elegant symmetry, a grand presentation of botanical prints hangs between soaring windows dressed in luxurious silk panels. The coral color of the prints echoes the hue in the rug that grounds a marble-topped coffee table and a pair of Louis XVI chairs flanking a sofa slipcovered in ivory cotton.

A serene palette of blue, ivory, and silver balances large-scale seating and a heightened sense of dimension in this living room. Sofas from Lee Jofa sit by the fireplace for a comfy spot to linger and enjoy the room’s casual elegance. A large framed mirror above the mantel makes the room appear even more spacious while reflecting the natural light pouring in through ample windows.

An antique Flemish tapestry grounds the room’s airier neutrals with its deep hunter greens and warm browns. “The tapestry is by far the most significant piece because it creates the color scheme for the entire house,” says designer Roger Higgins. The sofa under the tapestry is from Lee Industries. A sisal rug lends a touch of informality.

Light neutrals in this living room are highlighted by gauzy window treatments that let the sunlight flow in. Designer Natasha Baradaran included sculptural pieces to incorporate texture and dimension, like the custom fireplace screen and table from Donghia with Moroccan influence. An Eric Orr painting leans against the mantel, injecting a pop of royal blue over the fireplace.

A stone hearth flanked by large windows forms the stunning focal point in this living room. The natural texture of the stones is reflected in the gray area rug from Tamarian Carpets as well as the wood-and-iron coffee table. Pops of orange at the couch, like the throw from Hermes, breaks up the room’s neutrality.

An array of neutrals in cream, grays, reds, and violets lend a surprising amount of color to this living room. Crisp white walls with classic molding maintain a fresh backdrop for the room’s more substantial elements, such as a tufted ottoman from Hancock & Moore. The painting above the mantel gives the room a major color boost with vibrant purples and greens.

This living room’s rustic palette is informed by the wood and iron elements throughout. The antique fireplace (circa 1740) serves as the focal point with a classic mantel and fleur-de-lis fireplace screen from Architectural Accents. Salvaged wooden beams add textural interest to the ceiling.

A pair of sculptural chaise longue chairs covered in durable chenille basket-weave fabric and a chocolate brown sofa form a cozy sitting area in this living room. The earthy hues are complimented by airy blues at the windows and accent details, like floral pillows and a plush throw. Venetian plaster walls provide a cool backdrop for the lovely palette.

A geometric sisal rug and stone fireplace surround give this living room a big dose of texture, which blends marvelously with the peaceful palette of cream and ivory. Touches of baby blue lend airiness to the space while tying the artwork above the fireplace in with the rest of the color scheme.

An elegant formal living room is dressed in sweet blues, greens, and yellows to create a inviting space. French doors open up to an outdoor dining area, while a large mirror from Dennis & Leen helps bounce the light around the space. Maroon details—like the piping on the armchairs and pillow tassels—offer gracious notes of contrast. The leopard print area rug from Stark lends a subtle touch of sass.

Adjoined to the dining room, this contemporary living room is light, bright, and open. A neutral color scheme is enlivened with vibrant red-orange accent pillows on the sofa, as well as a pair of upholstered square benches for additional seating. A wide tufted ottoman from The Shop pulls double duty as a coffee table.

Simple lines and crisp white walls establish a classic backdrop for this living room’s lovely palette. Elegant French antiques and a pair of shapely armchairs add traditional sensibility, while the calm blend of wheat, mint, and soft crimson create a sophisticated palette. A painting above the fireplace features more concentrated yet complementary hues.

This room’s floor-to-ceiling windows provide ample light and open up to the front and back porches, where the antique brick pavers extend for visual continuity and textural interest. Venetian plaster adds drama and substance to the fireplace, complementing the ash-colored club chairs. A sisal rug adds warmth to the space; botanicals arranged in a column add verticality to the space.

The living room of this Fort Worth home is decked out in rich neutrals and striking blue accents. Slipper chairs from E.C. Dicken float above the sisal area rug, providing a counterpoint to the gilt details throughout the space. The homeowners’ collection of blue-and-white china establishes the running theme of blue accents, like the satiny sofa pillows. A pale blue paint on the walls and barely-there sandy hue on the molding and ceiling subtly tie the room’s colors together.